Home events spur Evans to defy knee problem

Evans admitted only the lure of home action at Queen’s and Wimbledon stopped him resting the left knee problem he has carried since September.

Evans conceded 88 world ranking places to Austrian Melzer, but prevailed 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (7-2), firing an ace to secure victory. The 24-year-old will face seventh-seed South African Kevin Anderson on centre court in Kensington today.

“I took my chances when I needed them and fought back from a break down in the third, so it was a good day,” said Evans.

“He is a tough player, grass is one of his favourite surfaces. He has all the shots to be dangerous on grass and it was a good match.

“This year has been a bit sporadic for me, I’ve been a bit injured as well. I’ve had a slight problem with my knee, that’s still causing me issues.

“So I’ll probably have to take some time out after grass.”

Vienna-born Melzer is currently ranked 51st in the world, with a career-high of eighth, with Evans at 139.

Evans said it is easy to stave off niggling knee trouble with Wimbledon hurtling into view.

“I can still play but it’s just not right at the minute,” he said. “I’m taking pain killers and a few other things. If it wasn’t the grass I would probably be resting up.

“You want to play your home tournaments. I especially like playing in Britain, especially when you’re given a lot of opportunities: it’s only right that you pay that back by digging in and trying to win matches.

“I definitely want to win some matches in Wimbledon, that’s the goal.”

His fellow Briton Daniel Cox slipped to a straight-sets defeat to Frenchman Adrian Mannarino. The 23-year-old from Lincoln, down at 214 in the ATP standings was up against a player ranked 83 in the world, and the gulf in class showed as Mannarino won 7-5 6-2.

Four-time champion Lleyton Hewitt eased past Spaniard Daniel Gimeno-Traver in straight sets to book his place in the second round. The 33-year-old Australian won 6-3 6-3.